[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 23 (Thursday, February 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES E. ROGAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 1997

  Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significant 
contributions Irish-Americans have made to our country and draw 
attention to March as Irish-American Heritage Month. There are now more 
than 44 million Irish-Americans in the United States, or one in every 
six persons in our country. In California, there are presently 4 
million people of Irish descent.
  Irish-Americans have been helping to forge our country from the very 
beginning. At least eight signers of the Declaration of Independence 
were of Irish origin, including the President of Congress, John 
Hancock, who was a descendent of the Ulster family. Also noteworthy, 
Matthew Thornton, James Smith, and George Taylor were Irish-born.
  The Irish love of freedom played an integral role in the fight for 
American independence. County Derry-born Charles Thompson made the 
first finished copy of the Declaration of Independence. John Nixon, 
whose father was born in County Wexford, was the first to read the 
document publicly. John Dunlop, born in County Tyrone, printed the 
first copy. Edward Fox, a Dublin native, contributed almost a million 
dollars--a staggering sum in those days--to help finance the 
Continental Army. He later died penniless because of his commitment.
  Throughout our history, several prominent Americans have been Irish-
Americans. Two hundred years ago, James Hoban and other Irish 
immigrants assisted in the construction of the U.S. Capitol building. 
One hundred and ninety years ago, Irish-born John Barry was the first 
naval hero of the American Revolution and is known as the Father of the 
United States Navy. Eighteen Presidents have proudly proclaimed their 
Irish-American heritage.
  Irish immigrants have always been willing to take on the lowliest, 
most dangerous and backbreaking of jobs. Their accomplishments include 
the building of the eastern portion of the transcontinental railroad 
and working in our Nation's coal mines.
  Because of the significant contributions of Irish-Americans, and 
their continued work toward the betterment of our country, the month of 
March has historically been recognized as Irish-American Heritage 
Month. I invite my colleagues to join with me in observance and 
recognition of the sacrifices and significant contributions of Irish-
Americans by recognizing March as Irish-American Heritage Month.

                          ____________________